The International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) secretary-general Dr Hamadoun Toure explained “The right to communicate cannot be ignored. The internet is the most powerful potential source of enlightenment ever created.” He added that officials should “regard the internet as basic infrastructure – just like roads, waste and water. We have entered the knowledge society and everyone must have access to participate.”

The news comes as the British government aim to bring the controversial Digital Economy Bill into effect, legislation which could in fact restrict some individuals’ internet access. Promising to provide broadband for every UK resident by 2010, the proposals also lay out plans for a “three strikes rule” for those that break internet laws and participate in illegal filesharing. It also comes on the back of new EU regulations which state any government interventions on internet access “must respect the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens.”

Meanwhile the results from the survey showed that over 70per cent of individuals who didn’t have internet access believed it was their right to have access. Elsewhere 96per cent of South Koreans in the poll said net access was a human right, a figure backed up by 90per cent of individuals in Turkey.

Particularly resounding as a negative plan for companies including Facebook and Google, they argued that making such a law would not allow for future digital innovation. Meanwhile other’s expressed that the powers were above and beyond what was needed to crack down on copyright infringement. Upon heavy criticism, and with both Lib Dem and Conservative ministers saying that they would not back the deal, a spokesman for the Department of Business said “The Government remains squarely behind the aims of clause 17. We have tabled a series of amendments which aim to clarify the breadth and scope of the clause and further reinforce the transparency of the process and the scrutiny of Parliament.”

Meanwhile, plans to allow disconnection of those individuals who share files amongst themselves, continue. Despite a 30,000 named petition expressing that innocent people would be penalised, and that internet hackers would simply use other people’s accounts, ministers said that the procedures were needed and accounts only be suspended as a last resort.

Estimating that a possible £1.40 extra on monthly bills could result in the Digital Economy Bill, the government also said that a possible 40,000 would decide to cut their internet connections. However, enforcement of the scheme could see the music and film industries see £1.7bn extra in sales over the following decade, with the government gaining £350m from VAT.

Internet providers meanwhile have asked content providers to contribute towards the extra costs. Carphone Warehouse’s chief executive Charles Dunstone said “Broadband consumers shouldn’t have to bail out the music industry. If they really think it’s worth spending vast sums of money on these measures then they should be footing the bill; not the consumer.”

Meanwhile others continued to criticise plans, including BT’s director of consumer division John Petter. Explaining that the new system promoted “collective punishment” he said “Put yourself in the shoes of a small businessman who has a rogue member of staff. Your internet access could get cut off because of the actions of one individual. It really feels like the UK is out on a limb with these proposals compared to the rest of the world.”

However, Google, Yahoo, Facebook and eBay have unanimously condemned the clause, arguing that it gives any future Secretary of State unprecedented and sweeping powers to amend copyright laws at whim, with no further consultation or democratic accountability. As it stands, for example, the Clause would enable the government to increase technical measures or increase monitoring of user details even where no illegal activity has occurred.

The web giants fear that these measures will discourage innovation by increasing uncertainty, although the government insists that substantial safeguards are in place to ensure no arbitrary misuse of power. A spokesman for the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) maintained that the law is obliged to keep pace with technology, and Clause 17 meets this requirement with little danger of misapplication.

The Web Giants, however, remain implacable in their hostility to the measure, insisting that as presently drafted it permits far too much scope for draconian and undebated action by any future Secretary of State, a state of affairs they are sure will lead not only to timidity and over-caution but may risk legitimate consumer use of current and future technologies.

Revealing the aims of the bill, the government said it was to “ensure communications infrastructure that is fit for the digital age, supports future economic growth, delivers competitive communications and enhances public service broadcasting.” Meanwhile plans to tackle file-sharers were two part, with consumers initially educated and individuals sent letters. If this failed to have an effect persistent offenders would eventually be cut off.

Welcoming the news Geoff Taylor of BPI, the music industry body, said “It is good news for fans of British music that government is now introducing legislation to tackle illegal downloading. The creative sector in the UK needs new measures implemented urgently that address this problem for now and the future if the UK is to lead Europe in giving consumers innovative and high quality digital entertainment.”

Meanwhile plans for rate video games came under scrutiny as the bill laid out proposals that games for children over 12 would have to have age ratings.

However, the controversial broadband tax was not mentioned in the bill. The tax, which will affect all households that own a landline telephone, will charge 50p a month which will go towards building Britain’s future broadband network. This is now expected to appear in 2010’s Finance Bill.